It’s funny how we look at people who are more beautiful, more successful, more popular than what we are, and

we assume that they are much happier and more fulfilled than what we are.

They aren’t. Ask any psychologist, counsellor or pastor.

What about the poor people in poor countries? It’s almost cliché for people to say

“they have nothing, and yet they are much happier and more fulfilled than what we are”.

They aren’t. Ask anyone who has emigrated from those countries; ask any foreign aid worker or missionary.

All people everywhere have an “if only” that we long for and strive for because we believe with all our heart

that when we get that thing we will be happy.

If only I could get that apprenticeship.

If only I could find a relationship with a partner who loves me.

If only I could get the things that I want, I’d be truly happy. I would be fulfilled.

The problem is that both life and the Bible teach us that this is a lie. When you achieve your goals and realise your dreams it’s only a matter of time

before they lose their charm. They prove to be temporary relief from a much deeper longing.

Even though the Bible consists of many parts and many stories, it is ultimately one story.

It’s the story of how we have separated ourselves from God, but how God loves us and comes to us to save us and bring us home.

The Bible teaches us that God created us to know, love and enjoy Him. No matter how many goals we reach and dreams we realise, the deepest longings of our hearts can only be satisfied through being reconciled with God through Jesus.

It’s only in Jesus that you discover that

you are not worthless.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you

were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,

but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

1 Peter 1:18-19

It’s only in Jesus that you discover that

you are not nobody

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.

Galatians 3:26

It’s only in Jesus that you discover that

you are not unwanted

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers,

but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household